Surgical Ink Markings

Surgical marking contamination, it arises from chemical residues of inks and dyes used in medical procedures. Formation patterns show irregularity, with spots and lines adhering tightly to surfaces like stainless steel instruments or tissue simulants. This contamination, it creates uneven layers and binds chemically, thus resists standard cleaning. In laser cleaning applications, removal challenges emerge distinctly—pulses scatter residue instead of ablating fully, and heat buildup causes charring on organic-based marks. Material-specific behaviors vary: on metals, contamination disperses slowly and leaves traces; on polymers, it softens yet clings, so multiple passes follow to achieve clarity. After treatment, surface still exhibits faint patterns in some areas. Efficiency of process, it depends on wavelength tuning, and avoids overexposure to prevent damage.

Yi-Chun Lin, Ph.D.
Taiwan